The golden rule of photography is that everything depends on the equipment you use. In order to get the most out of your photos, it is vital to use the proper camera and lenses.
Not all cameras are equal; all of us know that. Some cameras are ideal for outdoor photography, others for indoor events, and yet there are devices that can do both. In this post, we are going to explore the best cameras for indoor event photography. Scroll down to see what are the best options on the market today.
1. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II (Overall Winner)
Canon is one of the biggest players in the photography game thanks to the outstanding quality of cameras, lenses, and other pieces of equipment. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II has a compact design that makes it easy to pack and carry the device wherever necessary. Canon combined performance and speed to provide the optimal experience to every user.
The PowerShot G7 X Mark II features a 1.0-inch sensor, powerful DIGIC 7 image processor, a fast 4.2x optical zoom lens, and other useful features such as 20.1 megapixel CMOS sensor. Not only is this camera excellent for taking photos outdoors and capturing action images, but it also works well in low-light conditions, meaning it’s on the list of great cameras for indoor event photography. A slight disadvantage is that battery life tends to be short.
2. Sony a7S II
Sony a7S II full-frame mirrorless camera comes with a 12.2 effective megapixel full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor combined with a BIONIZ X image processor that allows the device to shoot at a wide sensitivity range. Sony, as one of the most reputable companies in this industry, has ensured that its a7S II camera successfully controls noise from the lower ISO settings and produces high-quality images and videos.
Bearing in mind that shooting at indoor events can be tricky due to the lack of natural light, this camera can be quite handy. The image sensor of Sony a7S II produces a low signal-to-noise ratio that enables the Fast Intelligent AF to detect contrast easily and react quickly, even in low-light situations, as low as EV-4.
The Sony a7S II belongs on our list of great cameras for indoor event photography thanks to a good dynamic and color range, as well as its ability to focus fast and accurate. However, the user interface and menu are not overly intuitive, and battery life is quite short.
3. Nikon Z6
For photographers who want the very best regardless of the price, Nikon Z6 is an excellent option. While it’s expensive, this camera provides optimal photography experience that makes it a good investment in the long run.
The Nikon Z6 features a 24.5MP backside-illuminated sensor and a 273 point on-sensor phase-detect AF system. Moreover, users who want to shoot clear and vibrant photos in indoor events will find Nikon Z6 phenomenal. The image sensor and the Z mount’s light gathering potential along with flawless Expeed 6 noise reduction allow you to capture amazing photos in low-light settings.
In fact, you can shoot at extremely high ISO settings up to ISO 51,200, but they are expandable to ISO 204,800. The Nikon Z6 can acquire subjects quickly and track them throughout the frame. However, according to some users, the viewfinder lags when shooting fast, and there is no built-in flash.
4. Fujifilm X-H1
Fujifilm X-H1 is a practical option to consider if you’re looking for a great indoor photography camera. This is the highest performing camera in Fujifilm’s X series; it combines practicality and robust design. As far as the specifications are concerned, the Fujifilm X-H1 camera has a 24.3MP APS-C sensor “X-Trans CMOS III” for an extra depth of the images.
The device has an ISO range that goes from 100 to 51,200, and it’s worth noting that color saturation remains good even at higher ISO values. Buttons and controls are positioned in a different manner than in some other cameras and may take a while for users to get used to them.
Also, this camera is on the expensive side and is not suitable for everyone’s budget, but the clarity of images shot in indoor settings makes this camera a great choice.
5. Canon PowerShot SX620 HS (Budget Winner)
Not all cameras for indoor event photography are expensive, and it’s entirely possible to find an affordable device, and Canon PowerShot SX620 is one of them. This camera has a slim and compact design, along with versatility and numerous features.
The PowerShot SX620 has a 20.2 MP CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4+ image processor that delivers stunning images even in low-light conditions. The built-in WiFi technology makes sharing and transferring of photos easy. Canon PowerShot SX620 is a good camera for beginners who want a more affordable device to gain more experience.
Users describe PowerShot SX620 as great for indoor photography, and although it doesn’t have RAW support, the quality of images usually doesn’t require any sort of manipulation, which is a good thing.
6. Nikon D3400
Here’s yet another Nikon on our list of cameras for indoor event photography that comes with a relatively affordable price tag. Don’t let the low price fool you though, the Nikon D3400 has a lot to offer. The D3400 is able to capture vibrant and colorful images, even in low-light conditions.
The device allows you to take stunning portraits with natural skin tones and beautifully blurred backgrounds, which can come handy when taking close-ups at indoor events. The autofocus feature makes it possible to focus even on the tiniest details. Besides special occasions and other indoor events, Nikon D3400 does a great job taking photos in indoor basketball courts, which are, as you know, filled with action.
7. Fujifilm X-T3
The Fujifilm X-T3 features a 26.1MP X Trans CMOS 4 sensor and is specifically designed to support users on their artistic journey. While some cameras are quite flimsy, this one has a robust magnesium alloy body able to withstand even the toughest conditions. That means that you can use Fujifilm X-T3 in both outdoor and indoor environments.
The sensor of this device controls false colors without using the optical low-pass filter. Some of the greatest benefits of Fujifilm X-T3 include excellent RAW and JPEG output, direct and customizable control, and high-quality 10-bit 4K video. However, there are also some disadvantages, such as lack of subject-tracking AF in the video, and f/1.4 lenses can be quite slow to focus.
The hefty price tag makes this camera a good investment for professional photographers who are looking for a camera that will allow them to shoot indoor as well as outdoor photography.
8. Sony a7R III
It would be impossible to compose a list of the best cameras for indoor event photography without including the Sony a7R III. As one of the best cameras on the market, which also comes at an expensive price tag, Sony a7R III is ideal for professional photographers who want nothing but the best for their business and artistic expression.
The Sony a7R III is capable of shooting ten frames per second, and it comes with longer battery life compared to its predecessors. Moreover, this camera has better ergonomics and features other refinements that ensure the ease of use and quality of photos.
A resolution of 42.4MP makes it easy to capture vibrant images where every detail is crystal clear. Sony a7R III performs well outside but also inside, and it allows users to capture stunning images of weddings and other events.
The touchscreen works only for focusing, so going through menus using dial controls can be quite frustrating. Moreover, it’s also useful to mention that lock-on autofocus can be unreliable, and it may be difficult to see the selected AF area.
Bottom Line on Cameras for Indoor Event Photography
When it comes to choosing the best cameras for indoor event photography, options are numerous, but it’s important to think about your preferences before choosing one. Ideally, you should go for cameras with long battery life and the ability to shoot outstanding images even in low-light conditions so that you can take wonderful photos in dim venues and rooms.
Fortunately, it’s possible to find an ideal camera for every price range, so it all comes down to your personal likes and dislikes and features you want your device to possess.
